Seizure pathophysiology: Difference between revisions

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==Overview==
==Overview==
Normally, seizures do not occur because the [[membrane]] stability of [[neurons]] is maintained, and the discharges that lead to seizures are prevented from transferring. In a normal [[brain]],  some circumstances can provoke seizures, such as: [[hyponatremia]], drug [[withdrawal]], and [[hypoglycemia]]. [[Abnormalities]] in different parts of the [[nervous system]] may cause seizure, such as: [[brain]] regions, [[cells]], [[ions]], networks, and [[receptors]]. The imbalance of excessive [[excitation]] and reduced [[inhibition]] that causes and keeps the seizure going on. [[Glutamate]] is the most common [[excitation neurotransmitter]] and affects by the [[N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor|N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor]]. However, [[NMDA antagonist]] drugs have not been clinically successful. [[Gamma aminobutyric acid |Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)]] is the most common [[inhibition neurotransmitter]]. [[GABA]] inhibits excess [[excitation]] of the neurons by activating the [[GABAA receptor]]. Increasing the inhibition of GABA (even if the inhibition is not damaged) may be helpful in a seizure, since it may overwhelm the excess excitation of the seizure. Examples of [[GABA]]-enhancing drugs are [[benzodiazepines]], [[barbiturates]], [[propofol]], and some [[anesthetics]]. However, these drugs are not suitable for long term therapy since patients usually become tolerant to their effect.
Normally, seizures do not occur because the [[membrane]] stability of [[neurons]] is maintained, and the discharges that lead to seizures are prevented from transferring. In a normal [[brain]],  some circumstances can provoke seizures, such as: [[hyponatremia]], drug [[withdrawal]], and [[hypoglycemia]]. [[Abnormalities]] in different parts of the [[nervous system]] may cause seizure, such as: [[brain]] regions, [[cells]], [[ions]], networks, and [[receptors]]. The imbalance of excessive [[excitation]] and reduced [[inhibition]] can [[cause]] seizures and is also responsible for prolonging it if the imbalance persists. [[Glutamate]] is the most common [[excitatory]] [[neurotransmitter]] and acts on the [[N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor|N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor]]. However, [[NMDA antagonist]] [[drugs]] have not been [[clinically]] successful. [[Gamma aminobutyric acid |Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)]] is the most common [[inhibition neurotransmitter]]. [[GABA]] inhibits excess [[excitation]] of the [[neurons]] by activating the [[GABAA receptor]]. Increasing the [[inhibition]] of [[GABA]] (even if the inhibition is not damaged) may be helpful in a seizure, since it may overwhelm the excess [[excitation]] of the seizure. Examples of [[GABA]]-enhancing [[drugs]] are [[benzodiazepines]], [[barbiturates]], [[propofol]], and some [[anesthetics]]. However, these [[drugs]] are not suitable for long term [[therapy]] since [[patients]] usually become tolerant to their effect.


==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
Normally, seizures do not happen because the [[membrane]] stability of [[neurons]] is maintained, and the discharges that lead to seizures are prevented from transferring.<ref name="pmid21109098">{{cite journal| author=Huff JS, Fountain NB| title=Pathophysiology and definitions of seizures and status epilepticus. | journal=Emerg Med Clin North Am | year= 2011 | volume= 29 | issue= 1 | pages= 1-13 | pmid=21109098 | doi=10.1016/j.emc.2010.08.001 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=21109098  }} </ref>
Normally, seizures do not occur because the [[membrane]] stability of [[neurons]] is maintained, and the discharges that lead to seizures are prevented from transferring.<ref name="pmid21109098">{{cite journal| author=Huff JS, Fountain NB| title=Pathophysiology and definitions of seizures and status epilepticus. | journal=Emerg Med Clin North Am | year= 2011 | volume= 29 | issue= 1 | pages= 1-13 | pmid=21109098 | doi=10.1016/j.emc.2010.08.001 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=21109098  }} </ref>


In a normal [[brain]],  some circumstances can provoke seizures, such as:<ref name="pmid21109098">{{cite journal| author=Huff JS, Fountain NB| title=Pathophysiology and definitions of seizures and status epilepticus. | journal=Emerg Med Clin North Am | year= 2011 | volume= 29 | issue= 1 | pages= 1-13 | pmid=21109098 | doi=10.1016/j.emc.2010.08.001 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=21109098  }} </ref>
In a normal [[brain]],  some circumstances can provoke seizures, such as:<ref name="pmid21109098">{{cite journal| author=Huff JS, Fountain NB| title=Pathophysiology and definitions of seizures and status epilepticus. | journal=Emerg Med Clin North Am | year= 2011 | volume= 29 | issue= 1 | pages= 1-13 | pmid=21109098 | doi=10.1016/j.emc.2010.08.001 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=21109098  }} </ref>
* [[Hyponatremia]]: by disrupting the electrochemical gradients across [[cell]] membranes and causing instability
* [[Hyponatremia]]: Disrupion in [[electrochemical gradients]] across [[cell]] [[membranes]] causse instability.
* Drug [[withdrawal]] ([[benzodiazepines]], [[barbiturates]], and [[alcohol]]): may sensitize inhibitory [[GABAA]] receptors and stimulate a seizure
* Drug [[withdrawal]]: [[Benzodiazepines]], [[barbiturates]], and [[alcohol]] may sensitize [[inhibitory]] [[GABAA]] [[receptors]] and [[stimulate]] a seizure.
* [[Hypoglycemia]]: by changing the [[metabolism]] of [[cells]]
* [[Hypoglycemia]]: Causes changes in the [[metabolism]] of [[cells]].


Abnormalities in different parts of the [[nervous system]] may cause seizure, such as:<ref name="pmid21109098">{{cite journal| author=Huff JS, Fountain NB| title=Pathophysiology and definitions of seizures and status epilepticus. | journal=Emerg Med Clin North Am | year= 2011 | volume= 29 | issue= 1 | pages= 1-13 | pmid=21109098 | doi=10.1016/j.emc.2010.08.001 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=21109098  }} </ref>
[[Abnormalities]] in different parts of the [[nervous system]] may cause seizure, such as:<ref name="pmid21109098">{{cite journal| author=Huff JS, Fountain NB| title=Pathophysiology and definitions of seizures and status epilepticus. | journal=Emerg Med Clin North Am | year= 2011 | volume= 29 | issue= 1 | pages= 1-13 | pmid=21109098 | doi=10.1016/j.emc.2010.08.001 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=21109098  }} </ref>
* [[Brain]] regions
* [[Brain]] regions
* [[Cells]]
* [[Cells]]
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For example:
For example:
* Generalized [[tonic-clonic seizures]] is caused by abnormalities of the [[sodium channels]] or [[calcium channels]].<ref name="pmid12644745">{{cite journal| author=Mulley JC, Scheffer IE, Petrou S, Berkovic SF| title=Channelopathies as a genetic cause of epilepsy. | journal=Curr Opin Neurol | year= 2003 | volume= 16 | issue= 2 | pages= 171-6 | pmid=12644745 | doi=10.1097/01.wco.0000063767.15877.c7 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12644745  }} </ref>
* Generalized [[tonic-clonic seizures]] is caused by [[abnormalities]] of the [[sodium channels]] or [[calcium channels]].<ref name="pmid12644745">{{cite journal| author=Mulley JC, Scheffer IE, Petrou S, Berkovic SF| title=Channelopathies as a genetic cause of epilepsy. | journal=Curr Opin Neurol | year= 2003 | volume= 16 | issue= 2 | pages= 171-6 | pmid=12644745 | doi=10.1097/01.wco.0000063767.15877.c7 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12644745  }} </ref>
* Autosomal dominant nocturnal [[frontal lobe]] epilepsy is caused by mutations in the [[acetylcholine]] receptor.<ref name="pmid7550350">{{cite journal| author=Steinlein OK, Mulley JC, Propping P, Wallace RH, Phillips HA, Sutherland GR | display-authors=etal| title=A missense mutation in the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 4 subunit is associated with autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy. | journal=Nat Genet | year= 1995 | volume= 11 | issue= 2 | pages= 201-3 | pmid=7550350 | doi=10.1038/ng1095-201 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=7550350  }} </ref>
* [[Autosomal dominant]] nocturnal [[frontal lobe]] [[epilepsy]] is caused by [[mutations]] in the [[acetylcholine]] [[receptor]].<ref name="pmid7550350">{{cite journal| author=Steinlein OK, Mulley JC, Propping P, Wallace RH, Phillips HA, Sutherland GR | display-authors=etal| title=A missense mutation in the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 4 subunit is associated with autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy. | journal=Nat Genet | year= 1995 | volume= 11 | issue= 2 | pages= 201-3 | pmid=7550350 | doi=10.1038/ng1095-201 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=7550350  }} </ref>
* The most common form of [[temporal lobe epilepsy]] is caused by abnormalities of cellular growth.<ref name="pmid2508534">{{cite journal| author=Sutula T, Cascino G, Cavazos J, Parada I, Ramirez L| title=Mossy fiber synaptic reorganization in the epileptic human temporal lobe. | journal=Ann Neurol | year= 1989 | volume= 26 | issue= 3 | pages= 321-30 | pmid=2508534 | doi=10.1002/ana.410260303 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=2508534  }} </ref>  
* The most common form of [[temporal lobe epilepsy]] is caused by [[abnormalities]] of [[cellular]] growth in that region.<ref name="pmid2508534">{{cite journal| author=Sutula T, Cascino G, Cavazos J, Parada I, Ramirez L| title=Mossy fiber synaptic reorganization in the epileptic human temporal lobe. | journal=Ann Neurol | year= 1989 | volume= 26 | issue= 3 | pages= 321-30 | pmid=2508534 | doi=10.1002/ana.410260303 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=2508534  }} </ref>  
* Local [[brain]] malformations cause abnormal networks of cells.<ref name="pmid11091890">{{cite journal| author=Andermann F| title=Cortical dysplasias and epilepsy: a review of the architectonic, clinical, and seizure patterns. | journal=Adv Neurol | year= 2000 | volume= 84 | issue=  | pages= 479-96 | pmid=11091890 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11091890  }} </ref>  
* Local [[brain]] [[malformations]] cause [[abnormal]] networks of [[cells]].<ref name="pmid11091890">{{cite journal| author=Andermann F| title=Cortical dysplasias and epilepsy: a review of the architectonic, clinical, and seizure patterns. | journal=Adv Neurol | year= 2000 | volume= 84 | issue=  | pages= 479-96 | pmid=11091890 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=11091890  }} </ref>  


'''Pathophysiology of generalized tonic-clonic seizures'''
'''Pathophysiology of generalized tonic-clonic seizures'''
* Generalized [[tonic-clonic seizure]] initiates with an excessive excitation of neurons, leading to synchronous discharges of more neurons, and affects a part of the brain that causes the clinical signs and symptoms of the seizure.
* Generalized [[tonic-clonic seizure]] initiates with an excessive [[excitation]] of [[neurons]], leading to synchronous discharges of more [[neurons]], and affects a part of the [[brain]] that causes the [[clinical]] [[signs]] and [[symptoms]] of the seizure.
* The imbalance of excessive [[excitation]] and reduced [[inhibition]] that causes and keeps the seizure going on.<ref name="pmid7560021">{{cite journal| author=Fountain NB, Lothman EW| title=Pathophysiology of status epilepticus. | journal=J Clin Neurophysiol | year= 1995 | volume= 12 | issue= 4 | pages= 326-42 | pmid=7560021 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=7560021  }} </ref>
*An imbalance in excessive [[excitation]] and reduced [[inhibition]] causes and maintains a seizure.<ref name="pmid7560021">{{cite journal| author=Fountain NB, Lothman EW| title=Pathophysiology of status epilepticus. | journal=J Clin Neurophysiol | year= 1995 | volume= 12 | issue= 4 | pages= 326-42 | pmid=7560021 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=7560021  }} </ref>


'''N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) Receptor'''
'''N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) Receptor'''
* [[Glutamate]] is the most common [[neurotransmitter]] that causes [[excitation]].  
* [[Glutamate]] is the most common [[neurotransmitter]] that causes [[excitation]].<ref name="pmid26033084">{{cite journal| author=Stafstrom CE, Carmant L| title=Seizures and epilepsy: an overview for neuroscientists. | journal=Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med | year= 2015 | volume= 5 | issue= 6 | pages=  | pmid=26033084 | doi=10.1101/cshperspect.a022426 | pmc=4448698 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=26033084  }} </ref>
* [[Glutamate]] excitation effects are by the [[N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor|N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor]].
* [[Glutamate]] excitation effects are by the [[N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor|N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor]].
* However, [[NMDA antagonist]] drugs have not been clinically successful, probably due to their effects on learning and [[memory]].
* However, [[NMDA antagonist]] [[drugs]] have not been [[clinically]] successful, probably due to their effects on learning and [[memory]].


'''Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) Receptor'''
'''Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) Receptor'''
* [[Gamma aminobutyric acid |Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)]] is the most common [[neurotransmitter]] that causes [[inhibition]].<ref name="pmid7560021">{{cite journal| author=Fountain NB, Lothman EW| title=Pathophysiology of status epilepticus. | journal=J Clin Neurophysiol | year= 1995 | volume= 12 | issue= 4 | pages= 326-42 | pmid=7560021 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=7560021  }} </ref>
* [[Gamma aminobutyric acid |Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)]] is the most common [[neurotransmitter]] that causes [[inhibition]].<ref name="pmid7560021">{{cite journal| author=Fountain NB, Lothman EW| title=Pathophysiology of status epilepticus. | journal=J Clin Neurophysiol | year= 1995 | volume= 12 | issue= 4 | pages= 326-42 | pmid=7560021 | doi= | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=7560021  }} </ref>
* [[GABA]] inhibits excess [[excitation]] of the neurons by activating the [[GABAA receptor]], in normal circumstances.  
* In normal circumstances, [[GABA]] inhibits excess [[excitation]] of the [[neurons]] by activating the [[GABAA receptor]].  
* Increasing the inhibition of GABA (even if the inhibition is not damaged) may be helpful in a seizure, since it may overwhelm the excess excitation of the seizure.
* Increasing the [[inhibition]] of [[GABA]] (even if the inhibition is not damaged) may be helpful in a seizure, since it may overwhelm the excess [[excitation]] of the seizure.
** Examples of [[GABA]]-enhancing drugs are [[benzodiazepines]], [[barbiturates]], [[propofol]], and some [[anesthetics]].  
** Examples of [[GABA]]-enhancing [[drugs]] are [[benzodiazepines]], [[barbiturates]], [[propofol]], and some [[anesthetics]].  
*** However, these drugs are not suitable for long term therapy since patients usually become tolerant to their effect, probably due to [[upregulation]] of [[GABA receptors]] or changes in [[receptor]] sensitivity
*** However, these [[drugs]] are not suitable for long term [[therapy]] since [[patients]] usually become tolerant to their effect, probably due to [[upregulation]] of [[GABA receptors]] or changes in [[receptor]] [[sensitivity]].


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 14:21, 12 April 2021

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Shakiba Hassanzadeh, MD[2]

Overview

Normally, seizures do not occur because the membrane stability of neurons is maintained, and the discharges that lead to seizures are prevented from transferring. In a normal brain, some circumstances can provoke seizures, such as: hyponatremia, drug withdrawal, and hypoglycemia. Abnormalities in different parts of the nervous system may cause seizure, such as: brain regions, cells, ions, networks, and receptors. The imbalance of excessive excitation and reduced inhibition can cause seizures and is also responsible for prolonging it if the imbalance persists. Glutamate is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter and acts on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. However, NMDA antagonist drugs have not been clinically successful. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the most common inhibition neurotransmitter. GABA inhibits excess excitation of the neurons by activating the GABAA receptor. Increasing the inhibition of GABA (even if the inhibition is not damaged) may be helpful in a seizure, since it may overwhelm the excess excitation of the seizure. Examples of GABA-enhancing drugs are benzodiazepines, barbiturates, propofol, and some anesthetics. However, these drugs are not suitable for long term therapy since patients usually become tolerant to their effect.

Pathophysiology

Normally, seizures do not occur because the membrane stability of neurons is maintained, and the discharges that lead to seizures are prevented from transferring.[1]

In a normal brain, some circumstances can provoke seizures, such as:[1]

Abnormalities in different parts of the nervous system may cause seizure, such as:[1]

For example:

Pathophysiology of generalized tonic-clonic seizures

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) Receptor

Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) Receptor

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Huff JS, Fountain NB (2011). "Pathophysiology and definitions of seizures and status epilepticus". Emerg Med Clin North Am. 29 (1): 1–13. doi:10.1016/j.emc.2010.08.001. PMID 21109098.
  2. Mulley JC, Scheffer IE, Petrou S, Berkovic SF (2003). "Channelopathies as a genetic cause of epilepsy". Curr Opin Neurol. 16 (2): 171–6. doi:10.1097/01.wco.0000063767.15877.c7. PMID 12644745.
  3. Steinlein OK, Mulley JC, Propping P, Wallace RH, Phillips HA, Sutherland GR; et al. (1995). "A missense mutation in the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 4 subunit is associated with autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy". Nat Genet. 11 (2): 201–3. doi:10.1038/ng1095-201. PMID 7550350.
  4. Sutula T, Cascino G, Cavazos J, Parada I, Ramirez L (1989). "Mossy fiber synaptic reorganization in the epileptic human temporal lobe". Ann Neurol. 26 (3): 321–30. doi:10.1002/ana.410260303. PMID 2508534.
  5. Andermann F (2000). "Cortical dysplasias and epilepsy: a review of the architectonic, clinical, and seizure patterns". Adv Neurol. 84: 479–96. PMID 11091890.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Fountain NB, Lothman EW (1995). "Pathophysiology of status epilepticus". J Clin Neurophysiol. 12 (4): 326–42. PMID 7560021.
  7. Stafstrom CE, Carmant L (2015). "Seizures and epilepsy: an overview for neuroscientists". Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 5 (6). doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a022426. PMC 4448698. PMID 26033084.